Is this a big engine??

Question

I have a 2004 1800 regal. It has a 4.3 litre V6 engine. it has got a ton of power but i was wondering if you think it is a big engine or not for and 18 footlong boat??

Answer 1

Peter, I ran an 18' Fleet Wing with an 85-hp Evinrude for years, and it was plenty fast (40 mph+) and could pull 4 skiers or a 15' boat also on a plane at 20 mph. I once towed in a 38' Bertram from the sea buoy to the marina at Charleston, SC.

Your engine is plenty big enough.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 2

h**l, Peter, if youre happy with the setup, why would you consider changing it?

You could double the engine capacity, chew heaps more gas, and get little improvement in speed or performance.

I wouldn't call 4.3 litres small, either. A 2HP outboard is small.

Answer 3

Eh no,  

I run a 225hp, 5 liter v8 in my 16 ft Glastron.

Your 4.3 v6 is more economic with the gas though :) and has plenty of hp (220) for the 18ft

What numbers do you get?

Frank

Answer 4

If it is a MACHO thing look at it this way. Sure those V-8's have more ponies under the engine hatch but with the price of gas you have all the extra mony to buy beer with!

Answer 5

The manufacturers do a pretty good job of matching power to hull size and weight. If you feel the 4.3 has good power, that is all that matters. Some people like and need more power than others. That is why there are different engines available for the same application.

Answer 6

It's not a big engine, but it's plenty big enough. It is however a pretty good engine that will give many years of service if taken care of.